I was kind of disappointed by the lack of theater we’ve gotten to see at the end of this trip. I was really looking forward to seeing real British Shakespearean theater and I saw none. Nonetheless, I’ve gotten to see at least half a dozen monuments to the Bard while in England. I like how …
Author Archives: Brendan Wolf
Food and Drink
The stereotype is that British food is disgusting at worst and bland at best. While it might be harder to find spicier food here than in the States, it’s pretty flavorful. And I’m just talking about the traditional British food. I haven’t mentioned the international food all over London. I just got back from a …
The Victoria-Albert Museum
The Victoria Albert Museum had very shocking pieces. Everything in that museum was interesting and represented a profound cultural moment. I wish we had seen some Shakespeare while we were here, because there were so many historical pieces I was obsessed with. For example, there were costumes worn by Lawrence Olivier and Judi Dench for …
Fringe Theater
Girl on an Altar Of all the plays that we’ve seen so far, this one was definitely not for me. That’s not to say it was a bad play, I think it was excellent actually. It was really impactful as a modern retelling of Agamemnon with prominent ancient Greek theater tradition. The play was mostly …
Glass Menagerie
Glass Menagerie Although I have never seen a Tennessee Williams play, I was pretty disappointed by this version of The Glass Menagerie. Part of my disappointment is probably because I’ve studied this play for years and have read it multiple times. It’s easy to build up an image in your head of what something should …
Westminster Abbey
Lord Byron Among those buried at Westminster Abbey, I was excited to see The Right Honourable Lord Byron. Although I’m not a big fan of poetry, I am a big fan of the traditions of the Romantic movement, much of which he inspired. He lived a varied and adventurous life, congruent with his own work. …
Getting Sudsy at the Roman Baths
The Roman baths were coincidentally the stinkiest place on our tour of England so far. This is because of the deep-earth gasses that bubble up and heat the pool. After 2000 years, I don’t think I’ll be having a dip in them any time soon… Jokes aside, I was astounded by the history of the …
Legally Blonde
Camp. I’ve heard it defined in many ways, but what exactly is “camp?” Shawn defined it as excess and tackiness usually in relation to homosexuality. Wikipedia defines it as “an aesthetic style and sensibility that regards something as appealing because of its bad taste and ironic value.” However, you define it, this version Legally Blonde …
The National Gallery
The National Gallery was way more my groove than the Tate. I’m a fan of broad landscapes and close portrait encounters. These are the things that make you feel. It seems that modern and post-modern art are meant to make you think and act, but the art of the National Gallery was meant to make …
Tate Modern and Other Updates
I dislike modern and postmodern art. Much of it is empty, either affecting the disappointment of the artist or pushing the boundaries of artistic methods for no other reason than to do so. I’m of the opinion that art needs to affect people, and why not effect them positively? Or if you want to make …
Theatre in London U of A 